"I actually started talking to Cormac McCarthy about this 21 years ago, when (my wife) Sally and I founded the Southwestern Writers Collection," Wittliff said. Discussions began in earnest last fall when McCarthy told Wittliff he was ready. "I think he's the greatest living American writer," Wittliff said. "I think Cormac McCarthy is one of the immortals."
Texas State acquires Cormac McCarthy archives
SAN MARCOS, Texas (AP) -January 14, 2008 McCarthy, 74, is widely considered one of the nation's best
writers for his lyrical but violent tales, many of which are set in
the U.S.-Mexico borderlands.
He was awarded a Pulitzer for his 2006 novel, "The Road," and
in 1992 won the National Book Award for "All the Pretty Horses."
His 2005 novel "No Country for Old Men" was the basis for a
recent Coen brothers movie.
Texas State said the archives include correspondence, notes,
drafts and proofs of his 11 novels. There is also a draft of an
unfinished novel and materials related to a play and four
screenplays. The center hopes to open the archives to the public in
the fall.
The papers could offer rare insight on an author who has given
few interviews over the past four decades.
Individual and foundation support supplemented university
funding for the $2 million purchase, officials said.
"Ever since I read the first paragraph of 'Blood Meridian' and
went on to read all of his other books, I've known how exceptional
he is," said Connie Todd, curator of the writers collection. "And
now to be in a position to make his archives available to people
who love his work as much as I do and preserve them forever ... is
a great responsibility and one that we welcome."
Bill Wittliff, an Austin screenwriter and photographer who
co-founded the collection in 1982, helped negotiate the deal.
